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CVE-2026-73778

HIGH 8.1

Published 2026-09-01 · Last modified 2026-09-03

A vulnerability exists in the Credential Manager component that may allow for unauthorized administrative access. An unauthenticated remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability on a device in its factory-default or post-ZTP state before any administrator has configured credentials by providing a predictable factory-default password. Successful exploitation could result in full administrative control of the affected device during the initial setup process.

ELEVATED IMPACT

Severe if exploited (CVSS 8.1), but no known exploitation and low modeled probability. Patch on a normal cadence.

Exploitation likelihood

0.3%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 19th percentile

○ In CISA KEV ○ Public exploit / PoC

Impact if exploited

8.1CVSS 3.1 · HIGH

  • ConfidentialityHigh
  • IntegrityHigh
  • AvailabilityHigh

What an attacker needs

  • Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
  • Privileges: No account or privileges required
  • User interaction: No user interaction needed
  • Complexity: Needs a race window or specific setup

✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it

Proof of concept & exploit code

Test against your own equipment

curl -s https://vulnpedia.com/cve/CVE-2026-73778/poc.jsonMachine-readable PoC index for this CVE (for automation).

Listed for defensive triage, patch verification, and authorized testing on systems you own. Machine-readable: /cve/CVE-2026-73778/poc.json

Affected

Vendors Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Hpe)

Products Aos Cx

Weakness (CWE)

  • CWE-521: Weak Password Requirements

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

All CVSS metrics

  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · CNA Primary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · NVD Secondary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Sources: NVD · CVE.org · EPSS